The road to the World Cup final is narrowing, and the quarterfinal stage promises high-stakes drama. Starting Thursday, July 9, the last eight teams will battle for a spot in the semifinals, with each game carrying the weight of national pride and history.
France and Morocco will open the action in Foxborough, Massachusetts, a rematch of the 2022 semifinal that saw France advance. Morocco, who stunned the world by finishing fourth in 2022, will be hungry for redemption. The next day, Spain faces Belgium in Inglewood, California, a clash of European titans with contrasting styles. Then on July 11, a doubleheader at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City features England taking on Norway, followed by Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the nightcap. Argentina, the defending champions, will look to continue their quest for back-to-back titles.
The winners advance to the semifinals on July 14 and July 15, with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for the quarterfinals include a few surprises. In the France-Morocco showdown, analysts lean toward France’s depth and experience, but Morocco’s defensive grit could flip the script. Spain vs. Belgium is seen as a toss-up, with Spain’s possession game pitted against Belgium’s counter-attacking prowess. England vs. Norway is expected to be a tight affair, with England’s star power giving them a slight edge. Argentina, led by Messi, are heavy favorites to dispatch their opponent, setting up a potential semifinal clash with France.
